Today I would plan. 

I got up early, made tea, did dishes, and planned to plan after lunch.

 J was watching the highlights and our apartment was as clean as I could justify.  I had given up on planning (my new plan was to plan on Monday), so I picked up The Greatness Guide, Book 2.  Robin writes:

[G]ive yourself a gift:  Take out a nice, crisp white sheet of paper.  Sharpen a pencil.  And then start writing about the work and home you desire to create.  It’s a lot easier than you may think.  And the results will stun you.

Fine, Robin, you win.

Back at my desk, I find an old post by Craig Harper, kicking off his 28-day ”Inaugural Get-Yer-Shit-Together Challenge.”

Here’s me getting my shit together:

The start date is [Monday March 30 2009]. I’m not procrastinating; some of you won’t read this before Monday and I want you all to follow along (OK, I’m procrastinating, but only because I’m terrified that I’ll fail the challenge and you’ll think I’m stupid). 

Identify what needs to change in your life. I need to focus my energy.  I need a plan that will help me discover and live my life’s purpose.  I need to stop wasting three hours a day searching job boards (and making up reasons not to apply for any jobs) and applying for jobs (that I don’t really want).

I am now supposed to ask you to “kick my ass, keep me honest, and encourage me through the next four weeks.”  I’m asking. 

Set some specific goals. Crap.  OK.  My goals are to:

 Determine, and commit to paper (the screen), my dream job. 
 Determine, and commit to paper (the screen), my next steps.
Create a self-hosted “me” website.  A get-work website. 
Produce writing samples relevant to the type of work I want.

Write NO MORE THAN 200 words to tell [everyone] what I am going to achieve over the next 28 days:

Over the next 28 days, I am going to put two things on paper:  my dream job and my next steps.  I will create a self-hosted “me” website; I will include relevant work samples.  I will have a new computer and an office space set up for success.  28 days from Monday, I will not be looking for a job. 

Every Monday (for four weeks) you will post a progress report.  I will.  Check in to see how I’m going, encourage me, support me, and tell me to get my shit together. 

What’s your plan?  Post it so we can keep you honest.

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